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Statements by the Chairs of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China Regarding the Guilty Verdicts For Umbrella Movement Leaders

Statements by the Chairs of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China Regarding the Guilty Verdicts For Umbrella Movement Leaders

July 22, 2016

Washington, DC—"The Hong Kong government will say the court's decision was a triumph for the rule of law, but the appearance is that this was a political prosecution, further tarnishing Hong Kong's reputation as a city built on guaranteed freedoms and rights," said Representative Chris Smith. "These student activists should never have been prosecuted in the first place, Hong Kong's Basic Law clearly protects the freedom of expression and assembly. Whether the Hong Kong government likes it or not, Joshua Wong, Nathan Law, Alex Chow, and all those involved with the "Umbrella Movement" have become important symbols of Hong Kong's vitality, its freedoms, and the fight to remain an autonomous and prosperous bridge between China and the West. They have become part of Hong Kong's unique brand and the guilty verdicts damage that brand.”

"Joshua Wong and his fellow pro-democracy activists Nathan Law and Alex Chow represent the future of Hong Kong," said Senator Marco Rubio. "The court's verdict regarding their protest activities in connection with the Umbrella Movement is troubling especially in light of the fact that Hong Kong's Public Order Ordinance fails to meet international standards on the right of peaceful assembly. Just as important, the Hong Kong government should never have arrested and brought charges against the three to begin with. The Commission will be closely monitoring their sentencing in the coming weeks, especially given the impact it could have on Nathan's ability to stand for election as a LegCo candidate. The democratic aspirations of the people of Hong Kong can not be indefinitely suppressed. I stand with Joshua and thousands of other Hong Kong residents who refuse to abide by Beijing's denial of basic human rights."